BEGINNING YEARS – BRISK BLAST FOUNDED

1916

In 1916, cars still rode on carriage springs.

In 1916, cars still rode on carriage springs. After all, early drivers had bigger things to worry about than the quality of their ride. Like keeping their cars from rolling over the rocks and ruts that often passed for roads. Flat tires were frequent and service stations weren’t. Drivers had no choice but to patch and re-inflate their own tires along the roadside.

PARTNERSHIP FORMED

1918

In 1918, McIntyre became Meyer’s partner and vice president.

To a young mechanic and entrepreneur name August F. Meyer, this was an opportunity too great to pass up. It seemed logical to Meyer that, with all those flat tires, there should be quite a market for tire pumps. Lured by two acres of prime downtown land and a $500 cash bonus from the Chamber of Commerce, Meyer established the Brisk Blast Manufacturing Company in Monroe, Michigan. Meyer’s next step was to purchase the assets of a St. Louis, Missouri business that made tire pumps. Under Meyer’s leadership, Brisk Blast became a leading producer of tire pumps.

MONROE AUTO EQUIPMENT COMPANY

In 1919, as the company continued to grow and diversify, Brisk Blast became The Monroe Automobile Equipment Manufacturing Company. Then, more simply, The Monroe Auto Equipment Company.

The Monroe spirit of innovation was already hard at work when the company perfected the first self-oiled, single-barreled tire pump. Sales climbed to over two million a year.

FIRST SHOCK INTRODUCED

1926

In 1926, the first Monroe® Shock Eliminator was introduced.

By the mid-1920s however, two important development changed the nature of Monroe’s business forever. Across the country, service stations started offering free air. And, in Detroit, they started manufacturing cars with spare tires as standard equipment.

By this time, Monroe was busy applying the technology of the single-barreled tire pump to a purpose no one else had yet envisioned: smoothing the ride for America’s drivers. In 1926, the first Monroe Shock Eliminator was introduced. Over the years, one Monroe innovation followed another.

In 1929, the first double action shock was invented.

RAILROAD SHOCK ABSORBER

Monroe builds its first shock absorber for railroad passenger cars.

Monroe developed a reputation for making shocks for specialty vehicles. In 1938, Monroe built its first shock absorber for railroad passenger cars.

MONRO-MATIC® SHOCK

1951

In 1951, the Monro-Matic® became the best known shock absorber in the world.

In 1951, the Monro-Matic became the best known shock absorber in the word. In fact, it remained the standard of the aftermarket industry and the shock used by most American carmakers through the 1950s.

RACING AT INDIANAPOLIS 500

1953

In 1953, Bill Vukovich won the Indianapolis 500 of Monroe shocks.

Meanwhile, Monroe began demonstrating the quality and importance of its products in other ways. In 1953, Bill Vukovich won the Indianapolis 500 on Monroe shocks. That win was followed by a long and rich history of Monroe racing victories, each one making Monroe shocks better known to drivers all over the words.

NATIONAL ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

1956

In 1956, Monroe launched the industry’s first major national advertising campaign.

In 1956, Monroe launched the industry’s first major national advertising campaign. All over the country, drivers started asking their gas station mechanic if it was time for new shocks.

FIRST REAR LOADED-LEVELER STABILIZING UNIT

1957

Monroe introduces the first rear load-leveler stabilizing units.

FIRST FRONT LOAD-LEVELER STABILIZING UNIT

1962

Monroe introduces the front load-leveler stabilizing units.

INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION

1964

In 1964, Monroe opened its St. Truiden, Belgium, manufacturing plant.

Applying the knowledge and expertise of Monroe’s domestic experience, the company went international in 1964 with the opening of its St. Truiden, Belgium, manufacturing plant.

UNAMUNO ACQUISTION

1974

In 1974, to better serve the expanding international market, Monroe purchases Unamuno, S.A., a leader in the Spanish shock absorber market, and MAP Auto Pecas S.A. in Brazil.

Monroe became renowned as the world leader in both original equipment and aftermarket ride control. The company developed a reputation for making shocks for specialty vehicles. From golf carts to high-speed railroad cars.

MONROE BECOMES PART OF TENNECO INC.

1977

In 1977, Monroe became part of Tenneco Inc.

In 1977, Monroe became part of Tenneco Inc. Tenneco’s many diversified and multinational resources allowed for new opportunities on a global scale.

MONROE BEGINS STRUT MANUFACTURING

1980

In 1980, Monroe began manufacturing its first struts.

In 1980, Monroe began manufacturing its first struts. These struts have become an important product in the ride control industry. Soon, thereafter, Monroe produced its first gas-charged shock.

AUSTRALIA EXPANSION

Monroe expanded globally in its international operations in 1985 with the acquisition of W.H. Wylie Company, which was renamed Monroe Australia, PTY.

SUSPENSION ACQUISITION

1989

In 1989, Monroe acquired the suspension division of Armstrong Equipment PLC of the United Kingdom.

In 1989, the company gained increased visibility in Europe when Monroe acquired the suspension division of Armstrong Equipment PLC of the United Kingdom. The move enhanced Monroe’s presence in the United Kingdom and improved customer service throughout Europe

RANCHO INDUSTRIES, INC. ACQUISITION

1990

In 1990, the company purchased Rancho Industries, Inc.

Another significant expansion followed in 1990 as the company purchased Rancho industries, Inc., a leading supplier of high performance suspension systems and components for the light-truck and sport-utility vehicle aftermarkets.

SENSA-TRAC® INTRODUCED

1991

Monroe introduced Sensa-Trac shocks and struts.

In 1991, Monroe introduced Sensa-Trac shock absorbers and struts. Sensa-Trac has groove tube technology that creates a smoother ride under a wide range of driving conditions.

MONROE REFLEX® WAS INTRODUCED

1999

Monroe Reflex shock was introduced.

In 1977, Monroe became part of Tenneco Inc. Tenneco’s many diversified and multinational resources allowed for new opportunities on a global scale.

KINETIC LTD ACQUISITION.

1999

Tenneco acquired the Kinetic suspension system and safety technology with its acquisition of Kinetic Ltd of Australia in 1999.